Striperfest 2005

    ...was our 9th annual Striperfest BBQ and bay/delta conservation fund raiser.  It was another huge success with our largest turn-out ever, with the most monies raised.  We couldn't have done it without the participation of the Dan Blanton Bulletin board community, especially its delta striped bass devotees - and of course the generosity of the fly fishing tackle industry and other industry members. And a huge thanks to board members who donated good stuff from books to marvelous flies.  Collectively these folks donated more than $22,000 worth of quality tackle, flies, art, books and magazine subscriptions that made up the bulk of the raffle.  We couldn't be more appreciative of their incredible generosity.  A special thanks goes to Bill Peak who designed and produced two great fly plates that will be auctioned off at this year's Striperfest 2006 - our tenth anniversary. More details of Striperfest 2006 to follow.

    To date Striperfest has raised a little over $40,000 most of which has gone to the Bay/Delta Conservation Committee of the Northern California Council of the FFF (Federation of Fly Fishers).  A total of $10,000 has been granted from those funds to the CSPA (California Sportfishing Protection Alliance) and last year we granted $1,300 to the Arroyo Fly Fishers, a fly-fishing club run entirely by high school students.  We believe kids are the future of fly fishing and each year we expect to grant funds from Striperfest monies to a worthwhile organization having a good "get kids into fishing" program.  The Bay/Delta Committee has also spent monies on several fronts to help fight water diversion from the delta and has enjoined in some delta litigation.  As the need arises, money will be spent where it will do the most good for our delta and its fisheries and for stripers whenever we can. 

Striperfest 2006

    Striperfest is always held on the first Saturday in November and this year that will be Saturday, November 4th.  It will again be held at the Sugar Barge Restaurant facility on the upper open deck, weather providing.  The event will start around 4:00 p.m. and last until it's over.  There will be good food, drinks and lots of great raffle prizes - and of course, great camaraderie. Last year more than 130 people attended the event and we're looking to top that number this year.  More details will follow on the bulletin board.  Be sure to check out the raffle prize list as it's updated and buy plenty of raffle tickets.

    Two Fly plates will be sold via silent auction at this years Striperfest.  One plate is the "California Masters" plate and the second is "Dan Blanton's Delta Favorites".  This will give those who attend the event and really would like a shot at one of both of these plates a chance to bid on them.  It should add a bit more excitement and in interest to the raffle.

       Striperfest 2005 Photo Album

    A special thanks to Matt Havelock for again chairing and organizing another great Striperfest.  Matt is already on the job getting this year's event together.

The Following is a list of raffle donors -  a special thanks to each of you.

Donors

 Abel Reels

 Tibor Reels

Nautilus Reels

Albright Tackle

Boga Grip

Redington

Sage

TFO

Powell

Rio Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Fly Lines

Airflo Fly Lines

Jim Teeny - Fly Lines

Protrim - Fly Line Tamer

Bill Kiene - Kiene's Fly Shop

Sea Level Fly Fishing Adventure

San Jose Fly Shop

Ernie's Casting Pond

Western Sport Shop

Lee Haskin - Gurglers on Line

Leo Gutterres - Bass Bugs

Jay Murakosi - Flies Unlimited

Stan Pleskunas - Pleskunas VLMD

Fly Trak - Fly Box

Doug's Bugs

Fisherman's Eyewear

Fishabout - Angling Travel

Fishing International - Angling Travel

Outdoor Specialty Product - Jaime Lyle

Fly Fish America Magazine

Fly Fisherman Magazine

California Fly Fisher

Fly Fishing in Salt Waters Magazine

Amato Books

To those we missed, our apologies with gratitude

Dan Blanton

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